It's all about the win

It's all about the win

PETERO Civoniceva's Origin departure will take a back seat next Wednesday night if the Queensland warhorse has his way.

The 36-year-old veteran admits he has not given much thought to his last match in the Maroon jersey and is more focused on securing a seventh straight series win for the team.

"I haven't really thought about it being the last game for myself," Civoniceva said yesterday.

"I've just been so focused on our preparation and knowing what work we have to do in order to improve on our performances.

"We acknowledge the fact that we probably have been down in the first two games.

"It's something we've talked about and highlighted.

"We've gone over the video and now it's all about executing it at training.

"I guess I learnt a lot out of Darren's (Lockyer) last game last year - the way he handled it was all about preparation and a focus on our training.

"If we do that and get that right, we get a bit of luck on the night and obviously if we play really well and get a win, that is the best way to go out I suppose."

Despite the likely withdrawal of Billy Slater, Civoniceva said he was confident the Queenslanders had the talent in their ranks to fulfil the team's high expectations.

"Obviously, it would be a huge loss losing someone like Billy, but in saying that, we've got a great squad of guys here that are willing and most definitely capable of filling his role," he said.

"Our structures and systems haven't changed one bit and the players know their role within that, so it can be a disruption but it is work as usual and all the guys know what roles they have to play.

"We're the first to acknowledge the fact that New South Wales have played very good in the first two games, but in saying that, we've been let down by poor ball security and our execution hasn't been up to the standard that we set the past series wins."

When that final whistle blows on Wednesday night, the Broncos enforcer will leave the Origin arena as one of the greats in the history of the series.

However, the leadership he has shown to guide a new breed of loyal Maroon servants around the park will ensure his legacy lives on for years to come.

"I remember a few years back it was lean pickings, but now we've got pretty much an all-Australian forward pack," he said.

"To walk away and know that we've got some great frontrowers coming through to lead the way is good to know."